Town of Foxborough Statement Regarding Appeal of Entertainment License
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 16, 2026
Media Contact:
Maura Buckley
Communications Specialist
Town of Foxborough
(508) 543-1201
[email protected]
The Town of Foxborough is disappointed that Kraft Sports + Entertainment has chosen to appeal the annual Entertainment License issued by the Select Board. The Town, through its licensing authority, has an obligation to ensure that the costs associated with private events are borne by the entities that conduct and benefit from those events, rather than by Foxborough taxpayers.
As part of the 2026 Entertainment License issued by the Select Board, the Town implemented provisions requiring Kraft Sports + Entertainment to reimburse the Town for vital public safety and other municipal services necessary to support events held at Gillette Stadium. These services are intended to protect public health and safety and ensure that the Town is adequately prepared to manage large-scale events.
Representatives of the Town and Kraft Sports + Entertainment have routinely discussed the need to ensure that the public's safety is protected. Security needs for stadium events are growing increasingly complex, and the conditions of the license issued by the Select Board were carefully crafted to ensure the health and safety of fans, concert-goers, employees, and area residents. Throughout discussions with Kraft Sports + Entertainment's representatives, the Town's position has remained consistent: Foxborough residents should not be asked to subsidize the municipal costs associated with privately operated events. This position is also reflected in the Town's long-term lease of the stadium land, under which the Kraft Group, as lessee, has agreed to bear such costs.
The Town has not yet had an opportunity to review the appeal, and it would therefore be inappropriate to comment on the specific claims being raised. The Town will respond through the appropriate legal process and will continue to advocate for an outcome that protects the interests of the Foxborough community.